If you were about to embark on a perilous voyage would you check your path out for every possible obstacle, secure every possible friend? I guess you would; I would too. Normal behaviour, right? Not so Alfred Sant. He simply doesn't do that. The belief in his own competence is absolute, so he simply strides in. Consider how he launches a new idea or proposes reform. You'd think he'd consult broadly, first rounding up those who'd need to back the project if it is to survive. Make a couple of calls, see if the turkeys are okay with adding on another Christmas. If not, perhaps it's time to rethink. To present it differently.

Take the last major policy proposal he made. Nowhere had it been clearly stated that a three-year-old was going to remain in a three-year-old's class even when he was four. It appeared overnight and without much previous reference. Had others in the Labour Party been consulted? Had there been any previous thought? Shouldn't this be the kind of proposal that is publicly debated for entire weeks and months rather than slipped in at the last moment as part of Labour's take-it-or-leave-it package?

Springing this sort of surprise to the parents in the electorate, so late in the game, was a huge risk. I think I have a fair idea of how mothers across the country reacted to it: I live with one! Now, my wife is a mild-mannered lady who manages to remain almost immune to election fever even when the rest of us, with nostrils flared and eyes strangely dilated, are in its throes. But mention the word "'repeater" in the context of her children's schooling to her, or to any Maltese parent, and my wife will steadily plan the downfall of whoever wants to cost her child a year of idleness. If you don't know that about the Maltese, you know precious little.

The point of this piece, however, is not to criticise the merits of Dr Sant's latest solo flight. That has already been done, excellently, by others. To me, what beggars belief and ought to be highlighted are the man's signature tactics because they will be the signature tactics of his Premiership. The style is as important as the substance. An election campaign will never reveal everything a party will do in government because the challenges it will face throughout the next five years are impossible to predict. What it does reveal, however, is the manner and approach of that party and its leader. Now is the last opportunity for the two leaders to present their credentials to govern. The thinking voter will be observing which of them best qualifies as an inclusive democrat, which David ought to be given the strength of Goliath.

When the representatives of the teaching profession, the MUT, came out against the reception class proposal, one thing emerged clear: These guys had not been brought on board, much less had their endorsement been obtained! So, get this, Dr Sant is in an election campaign, whichever way it goes these are his final weeks as Leader of the Opposition. He emerges with a risky last-minute educational reform and he doesn't even secure the support of the guys who can make it or break it! That is self confidence exceeded only be recklessness. That is Dr Sant. That is the way your country could be run as from next month.